You must be authorised by us if you want to provide credit references or credit information services. Find out how to apply for authorisation.
Read everything listed below
Start with our main 'how to apply' page for all applicants
Prepare your application
Include your business plan and other supporting material
Pay the application fee
You must pay this in order to apply
Submit your application
You'll do this on our Connect system, so please register first
What to read first
The application process
Our how to apply[1] page explains:
- our expectations of all firms
- the application process
- how to avoid delays with your application
You must read this page in full before submitting your application through our Connect[2] system.
Our letters to your sectors
We expect you to make our Consumer Duty[3] a top priority.
Our portfolio letter[4] sets out our view of the main risks of harm and the action we expect firms to take.
You should also review the correspondence[5] for insurance intermediaries and credit brokers if you're proposing to carry out these activities as well.
Supporting material
Along with your application form, you'll need to provide a range of supporting documentation including your:
- regulatory business plan
- financial forecasts
- required policies, procedures and other relevant forms on Connect
Check what supporting material[6] you need to include.
Prepare your application
You'll submit your application through Connect[2], so make sure you register[7].
Your application must include your:
- application form
- regulatory business plan (RBP)
- financial forecasts – learn how to prepare your firm's financial information[8]
- other relevant forms and supporting material[6]
Below are the specific things we expect to see in your application – providing this information will help you to demonstrate that you can meet our expectations.
You must answer all questions on the application honestly, including on Form As, and provide us with full information regarding any disclosures you make, including details about any removals you've had from lender or product providers’ panels.
If in doubt, let us know as much as possible, even if it may not seem relevant.
Application fee
You have to pay a fee to submit your application. The fee is non-refundable.
If you're applying to become a:
- credit reference agency your fee falls into pricing category 6
- credit information services provider your fee falls into pricing category 3
You may have to pay other fees if you also need payment services permissions.
Find out more about our authorisation fees[10], including our pricing categories and how to pay.
Final check and submit
Before you submit everything on Connect, give it one more check to be sure you've included everything.
Our how to apply page has 3 top tips to ensure your application goes smoothly, and explains what happens after you've submitted it.
If you need more help
Please contact us on 0300 500 0597. We're open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm, and Thursday 9.45am to 5pm.
